you’ve heard about the rule of three in design, right? it says that an odd number of items (usually 3, but 5 and 7, too) look more appealing than an even-numbered grouping. i tend to be a rule-follower, so you can see this idea all over my home including the number of pillows on the sofa, framed pictures and art on the walls, and (to the husband’s annoyance) the accessory vignettes on the living room table and bedroom nightstands. oh, and on my desk.

anyway, even though i’ve been a fashion fan my whole life, i’m fairly new to an official third piece rule in dressing. this directive says that incorporating a third element into your outfit will make your look more polished and more interesting because odd numbers add visual excitement and keep the eye engaged. here’s the formula: piece #1 is your top, piece #2 is your bottom, and the 3rd piece can be anything in the jacket/sweater/vest family or a noteworthy accessory like a scarf, hat, belt or statement jewelry. sorry, shoes don’t count. check out my before and afters.

the outfit on left is perfectly fine. but the outfit on right makes you want to look. it has shapes & textures; it's more finished. agreed?

you may have already been practicing the third piece rule instinctively; i often was. but now i try to incorporate it intentionally. easy, easy update.

could interesting get any easier? hats are so underrated, and yet, so valuable to a wardrobe arsenal. please try one this winter.